2019 Annual WASLA Conference

Greater Tacoma Convention Center, March 22, 2019

3:00 - 4:00 PM
Designing a Landscape for Pollinators

Description:

Butterflies and other pollinators—bees, bats, hummingbirds, moths, flies, and beetles—are credited with helping at least 30 percent of the world’s crops and 90 percent of our wild plants to thrive. Honeybees, and many species of native bees and butterflies, have been declining for decades due to a variety of human causes. The public is aware and concerned about this decline but are often unsure about how to take action. Zoos and aquariums are uniquely suited to help visitors learn, care, and act to conserve wildlife and their habitat, and the public looks to these institutions for accurate information on pressing environmental issues. Through engaging exhibitry, informative signs, beautiful gardens, and up close encounters with butterflies and other pollinators, Woodland Park Zoo has the opportunity to make a difference for the conservation of pollinators. In 2016 Woodland Park Zoo created a pollinator garden to inspire people to turn their unused space in to pollinator friendly habitat.

Speaker Bios:

Erin Sullivan, Animal Care Manager, Woodland Park Zoo

Since 1996, Erin has worked in the Animal Management Department at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. For the last 15 years Erin has also served as Chair for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Terrestrial Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group (TITAG). Erin holds a BS in Biology /Entomology from U.C. Davis and a Master of Science degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Management through Imperial College London. In her free time Erin can be found photographing insects in her backyard or anywhere insects may be flying.

David Selk, Supervisor of Horticulture, Woodland Park Zoo

Since 1993, David has worked in the Horticulture Department at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. In his role at the zoo David works with Landscape Architects on new landscape design for new naturalistic exhibits, represents the Horticullture Department in design development, directs landscape installation, supervises tree work and conduct botanical education.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about native pollinators and their habitat needs
Which plants are best for Native pollinators
The key components of creating a successful pollinator garden and where to find resources to support garden design.